Abstract: A specimen collection container having a separation chamber includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a valve located between the first chamber and the second chamber. In an open position, the valve permits fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. In a closed position, the valve maintains fluid isolation between the first chamber and the second chamber. A fluid stream passes from the first chamber to the second chamber through the valve permitting a predetermined volume of fluid to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber. When the predetermined volume of fluid passes to the second chamber, the valve transitions from the open position to the closed position so that additional fluid of the fluid stream received by the first chamber is maintained in the first chamber in fluid isolation from the predetermined volume of fluid contained in the second chamber.

Abstract: A specimen collection container having a separation chamber includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a valve located between the first chamber and the second chamber. In an open position, the valve permits fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. In a closed position, the valve maintains fluid isolation between the first chamber and the second chamber. A fluid stream passes from the first chamber to the second chamber through the valve permitting a predetermined volume of fluid to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber. When the predetermined volume of fluid passes to the second chamber, the valve transitions from the open position to the closed position so that additional fluid of the fluid stream received by the first chamber is maintained in the first chamber in fluid isolation from the predetermined volume of fluid contained in the second chamber.

Abstract: A specimen collection container having a separation chamber includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a valve located between the first chamber and the second chamber. In an open position, the valve permits fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. In a closed position, the valve maintains fluid isolation between the first chamber and the second chamber. A fluid stream passes from the first chamber to the second chamber through the valve permitting a predetermined volume of fluid to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber. When the predetermined volume of fluid passes to the second chamber, the valve transitions from the open position to the closed position so that additional fluid of the fluid stream received by the first chamber is maintained in the first chamber in fluid isolation from the predetermined volume of fluid contained in the second chamber.

Abstract: A specimen collection container having a separation chamber includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a valve located between the first chamber and the second chamber. In an open position, the valve permits fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. In a closed position, the valve maintains fluid isolation between the first chamber and the second chamber. A fluid stream passes from the first chamber to the second chamber through the valve permitting a predetermined volume of fluid to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber. When the predetermined volume of fluid passes to the second chamber, the valve transitions from the open position to the closed position so that additional fluid of the fluid stream received by the first chamber is maintained in the first chamber in fluid isolation from the predetermined volume of fluid contained in the second chamber.

Abstract: A specimen collection container having a separation chamber includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a valve located between the first chamber and the second chamber. In an open position, the valve permits fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. In a closed position, the valve maintains fluid isolation between the first chamber and the second chamber. A fluid stream passes from the first chamber to the second chamber through the valve permitting a predetermined volume of fluid to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber. When the predetermined volume of fluid passes to the second chamber, the valve transitions from the open position to the closed position so that additional fluid of the fluid stream received by the first chamber is maintained in the first chamber in fluid isolation from the predetermined volume of fluid contained in the second chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for collecting blood that contain an anti-coagulant and an additive that delays clotting by inhibiting the contact pathway for thrombin generation. The additive is a coagulation contact pathway inhibitor additive that is at least one of a Factor XI inhibitor, a Factor XII inhibitor, a kallikrein inhibitor and combinations thereof, each in an amount effective to mediate or suppress the contact pathway for thrombin generation. Methods of making and using the devices, and kits containing the devices, are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for collecting and stabilizing blood or plasma and which contain an anti-coagulant, an antiplatelet agent, and a solubilization agent, and which may optionally include at least one other blood stabilization agent. Methods of making and using the devices in clinical medicine are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising freeze-dried platelets, microparticles, or both for use as a diagnostic for blood coagulation function. The invention also provides methods of diagnosing or monitoring blood coagulation function, including diagnosing or monitoring blood coagulation diseases and disorders. Kits for performing the methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods to rapidly assess the overall coagulant properties of a patient's blood sample by inhibiting the activation of the intrinsic contact activation pathway of coagulation and activating the extrinsic pathway of coagulation. When the sample is whole blood, the resulting clotting time represents the overall coagulant activity of the plasma and cellular components of the blood, which is indicative of existing or impending pathology arising from abnormal coagulability. The invention also provides a method for measuring the risk of a patient for a thrombotic event and for monitoring the effectiveness of procoagulant/anticoagulant therapy. A blood collection apparatus suitable for use in for performing the methods of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition comprising an aqueous medium, a reagent for assessing fibrinogen biological activity and a reagent for assessing the activity of a reagent used for determining platelet count. In one particular embodiment the composition comprises an aqueous medium, an antibody for fibrinogen and fixed platelets substantially free of fibrinogen antibody binding sites. Also disclosed is a method for conducting a control for an assay for platelet function activity and a control for the platelet count assay. The method comprises utilizing a common control for the assays wherein the control does not cross-react with itself or with reagents for conducting the assays. In a particular embodiment the common control comprises an aqueous medium, a reagent for assessing fibrinogen biological activity and a reagent for binding to the reagent used for determining platelet count. Also disclosed are kits for carrying out methods in accordance with the present invention.